UFC 303 had a major makeover in the wake of Conor McGregor’s injury. The Irishman was to end his long layoff and return on the June 29 card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. However, ‘Mac’ pulling out due to an undisclosed injury hit hard like a Mack truck! ESPN Deportes MMA had speculated this was due to some leg injury. Now, the fighter confirms as much.
McGregor was to face Michael Chandler to settle their rivalry that gained steam during their coaching days on The Ultimate Fighter. There is hope that the fight will take place at a later date in the year. However, Chael Sonnen disagreed in a recent Good Guy/Bad Guy episode alongside Daniel Cormier. Now, McGregor responded in an angry manner.
Chael shut your p*e hole, h*e. You tap from ground and pound…
Conor McGregor in a since-deleted tweet (@TheNotoriousMMA)
More to it, Sonnen promoted that ‘The Notorious’ was back to his notorious ways of disregarding the fight since last June. Instead of some hurt, he postulated McGregor was in rehab. However, a quick search of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy (UFC ADP) database shows he was tested five times since March. Now, the Irishman fires back at Sonnen for his out-of-pocket claims, revealing his gruesome toe injury.
While nothing can match the atmosphere of a McGregor fight, UFC 303 maintained overall quality. A title rematch now serves for the June PPV Event. However, it did backfire, with some fans alluding that Alex Pereira now subs in with the same broken toe. As for Conor McGregor, the fighter holds on to lofty aspirations to return soon enough.
Conor McGregor quotes Michael Chandler to assure fans of his return
McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) and his June 29 main event return was the hot topic, forever. Sidelined since his 2021 trilogy loss and leg break, ‘The Notorious’ and his ways have not instilled much confidence among fans. Moreover, pundits and peers doubt an in-shape Conor McGregor would ever return in 2024. By the virtues of his vices!
Conor McGregor slaps back at rehabilitation claims, plans return after UFC 303 (Source: boxemag.com/pinterest.ca)However, the fighter himself kept giving random health updates and sparring snippets on his socials. He recently swiped down claims that he took his out due to substance abuse. Additionally, he penned an emotional response about how much build-up angst he has on the matter. Check out the script of his latest posts on Instagram (@thenotoriousmma), down below. The Irishman even quoted Chandler’s ‘See you at the top’ catchphrase.
Yet again, ‘Mac’ revealed deeds on the injury that sank the tank on his UFC comeback. Expectant opponent Chandler has been cordially savvy and forgiving about the UFC 303 PPV pullout. Hence, he borrows the fighter’s “see you at the top” monologue to the notion that he’ll return soon. However, McGregor also hinted he won’t commit solely to Chandler for his octagon return. It remains to be seen if ‘Notorious’ vs. ‘Iron’ ever becomes a reality.
